Watford City North DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Watford City, North Dakota.
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
STUNNING BADLANDS SCENERY
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit offers breathtaking views of North Dakota's dramatic badlands, with scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. Visitors often marvel at the colorful rock formations, sweeping overlooks, and roaming herds of bison and elk. This unit is located just south of Watford City and is a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Long X Trading Post Visitor Center
HISTORY & LOCAL CULTURE
The Long X Trading Post Visitor Center serves as both a welcome center and a small museum, featuring three floors of historical artifacts from Watford City and the surrounding area. Guests can browse pioneer relics, Native American displays, and even see a massive petrified tree stump estimated to be 60 million years old. The center also contains a gift shop and frequently hosts local events.
3. Wild West Water Park
FAMILY WATER FUN
Wild West Water Park is a favorite summer destination for families, offering water slides, splash areas, and pools suitable for various age groups. The park provides a fun and refreshing way to cool off during North Dakota's warm months. It is conveniently located in the heart of Watford City and is especially popular with children.
4. Rough Rider Center
SPORTS & EVENTS VENUE
The Rough Rider Center is a modern multi-purpose facility housing arenas, swimming pools, fitness areas, and spaces for concerts, meetings, and sporting events. It acts as a community hub for locals and visitors alike, hosting everything from hockey games to large-scale expos. The center also offers recreational activities for all ages year-round.
5. Little Missouri National Grassland
EXPANSIVE PRAIRIE WILDERNESS
Little Missouri National Grassland surrounds Watford City with more than a million acres of untouched prairie and rugged badlands terrain. Outdoor enthusiasts come for hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and spectacular photography opportunities. The grassland is part of a larger ecosystem connected to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and is the largest grassland in the nation.
6. Fox Hills Golf Course
SCENIC PUBLIC GOLFING
Fox Hills Golf Course offers a modern 18-hole layout with rolling fairways, prairie views, and a well-maintained clubhouse. The course is praised for its challenging design and hospitable service, making it a top golfing destination in western North Dakota. Both casual and competitive golfers enjoy spending time here.
7. McKenzie County Heritage Park & North Dakota Oil Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The McKenzie County Heritage Park & ND Oil Museum showcases the agricultural and energy history of the region with outdoor displays, historical buildings, and artifacts. Visitors can explore a pioneer homestead, vintage farm equipment, and exhibits highlighting the impact of the oil industry. It's a great place to learn about the area's transformation over time.
8. Stonehome Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER & DINING
Stonehome Brewing Company is a popular local brewery and restaurant, famous for its handcrafted beers and creative food menu. Guests enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, plus regular live music events. It's a go-to spot for friendly gatherings and sampling regional brews.
9. Outlaws' Bar & Grill
CLASSIC WESTERN DINING
Outlaws' Bar & Grill is a western-themed restaurant known for hearty steaks, burgers, and a wide selection of comfort dishes. The rustic décor and welcoming staff make it a favorite stop for both locals and travelers. Its lively atmosphere and generous portions ensure a true taste of North Dakota hospitality.
10. Watford City Main Street
SHOPPING & DOWNTOWN STROLLS
Watford City's Main Street offers a mix of boutique shops, specialty stores, and local services nestled in a charming small-town setting. Visitors can browse unique gifts, western wear, and artisan crafts while enjoying a leisurely walk through the downtown district. Regular events and festivals bring added vibrancy to the area.
11. Little Missouri Grille
HOMESTYLE AMERICAN EATS
Little Missouri Grille is a well-loved diner serving classic American fare, including hearty breakfasts, burgers, and homemade pies. The eatery is known for its friendly service and cozy atmosphere, making it a staple among both visitors and residents. It's an ideal place to experience down-home cooking in the heart of Watford City.
12. River Bend Overlook
ICONIC PARK VIEWPOINT
River Bend Overlook is a scenic viewpoint within the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering panoramic vistas of the Little Missouri River and surrounding badlands. The stone shelter and dramatic landscape make this a favorite photo stop. Visitors can access this overlook via a short, easy trail from the park road.
13. Pioneer Museum of McKenzie County
ARTIFACTS & LOCAL STORIES
The Pioneer Museum of McKenzie County, located within the Long X Visitor Center, presents a diverse collection of artifacts chronicling the local pioneer, ranching, and Native American history. It features themed exhibits, including a general store and schoolroom replicas. The museum also highlights the area's role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
14. Lewis & Clark Trail Museum
EXPEDITION & LOCAL HISTORY
The Lewis & Clark Trail Museum in nearby Alexander is dedicated to the famous explorers and the region's frontier heritage. The museum houses artifacts, historical documents, and exhibits on the local impact of early settlers. Its themed rooms, like the old general store and schoolroom, provide a glimpse into North Dakota's past.
15. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
HISTORIC FUR TRADE FORT
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, located near Williston and a short drive from Watford City, is a reconstructed 19th-century fur trading post. The site offers interpretive exhibits, living history demonstrations, and insight into the interactions among traders, settlers, and Native American tribes. It provides an immersive experience of the region's vital role in the fur trade era.